Crediting apparatus for automatic coinresponsive machines



4 Sheets-Sheet l W. GERSPACH CREDITING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICCOIN-RESPONSIVE MACHINES iw f 7 May 1, 1962 Filed Sept. 22, 1958INVENTOR WO//ICL/77 @ers aac/y GS GLULML JM ATTO R IV E35 May 1, 1962 w.GERSPACH 3,032,161

CREDITING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC COIN-RESPONSIVE MACHINES Filed Sept.22, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fly. 2

INVENTOR ATTOILNEBS y 1, 1962 w. GERSPACH 3,032,161

CREDITING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC COIN-RESPONSIVE MACHINES Filed Sept.22, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VENTOR OLLMQW ATTORNESS w. GERSPACH3,032,161 CREDITING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC COIN-RESPONSIVE MACHINES May1, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 22, 1958 o2 on INVEN TOR WO/ffa mGem 0 Qch GLJMIL ATTORNEESS states Unite This invention relates toautomatic coin-responsive machines, for example amusement devices orgramophones or the like, and is particularly concerned with creditingapparatus for use therein responsive to the value of coins of differentkinds inserted into the machine. Such crediting apparatus converts thevalue of an inserted coin or coins into demand units, the number ofwhich is predetermined in accordance with the value of the coin, andstores such units in readiness to be taken out of store on demand forthe performance of an output function, such for example as the playingof a gramophone record.

According to the invention there is provided for each kind of coin atleast one recognition condenser, which is discharged through a coincontact closed by the insertion of the coin and by its discharge currentimpulse energises switching means which bring at least one steppingswitch into operation for storing demand units, whilst a switch armmoving synchronously with the stepping switch is provided, through whichat the end of a predetermined number of switching steps the samerecognition condenser is charged again, thus energising by the chargingcurrent impulse further switching means which bring the storage steppingswitch to rest.

The invention ensures that coins of different kind and quantitiesinserted into one or more coin receivers, perhaps mounted separatelyfrom the crediting apparatus are automatically converted into demandunits of predetermined value corresponding to the actual kind of com.

The crediting apparatus is thus energised only by contact operation fromthe coin receiver. The demand units resulting from all inserted coinsare added and stored in a common storage device. A further advantage ofthe invention is, that for any desired selection and sequence of outputfunctions, possibly from a number of automatic machines, for examplegramophones or the like, demand units can be taken out of the storeddemand units as long as any such remain in the storage device. A specialadvantage of the invention also consists in that the coin contacts neednot be formed as micro contact switches, but as ordinary contacts,perhaps with buffer action, pro,- duce from one contact operation anensured single storage process. It is no longer possible by any kind ofmanipulation of the apparatus to use one inserted coin unit for multiplestorage.

In a preferred construction according to the invention the switchingmeans start up simultaneously two stepping switches, one of which servesas a recognition stepping switch and carries the switch arm, whichcooperates with contact elements connected to the recognition condensersand which on reaching the contact element for the previously dischargedrecognition condenser brings the other stepping switch, serving asstorage stepping switch, to rest by the charging current impulse throughfurther switching means. In this way it is ensured that the storagestepping switch performs just as many steps as the recognition steppingswitch from starting until reaching the contact element connected to therecognition condenser. The number of demand units per kind of coin canthus be predetermined by simply transferring the connection of therecognition condenser in question to another contact element.

Conveniently, the recognition stepping switch according ice even duringoperation of the device connected to the crediting apparatus furthercoins may still be subsequently inserted in relatively quick succession.The storage can increase with each new coin insertion without any needfor using up the already existing storage, until the storage capacity ofthe storage stepping switch is fully used up. In order to make possiblethe insertion of very different coins, for example even coins ofdifferent currencies and the like, the number of coin contacts can bechosen relatively high, however smaller than or at the most equal to thenumber of steps of the recognition stepping switch.

According to the invention also a third stepping switch can be providedas demand stepping switch, which is operable in steps by closing ademand contact as often as the.

storage stepping switch is at a step position in advance of the demandstepping switch. recognition stepping switch and the demand steppingswitch is thus obtained, so that the cycle of operation cannot beinfluenced or disturbed by the demand stepping switch.

In this arrangement of the invention switching means are convenientlyprovided, which prevent the power magi net coil of the demand steppingswitch from being put under continuous current even by inadvertentoperation of.

the demand contact. This prevents the demand stepping switch from beingdamaged by inadvertent operation.

Another arrangement according to the invention depends on the fact thatthe number of switching means, especially the number of steppingswitches, can be (16'. creased if the possibility of storing further newdemand units in addition to alreadystored demand units is relinquished.

This arrangement makes use of this restriction and fulfills the threefunctions of the recognition, storing and demand stepping switches withonly one stepping switch, without reducing the advantages of theinvention.

This problem is solved by providing a single stepping switch, which isarranged at the same time through one series of switching means asrecognition stepping switch, through a further series of switching meansas storage stepping switch and finally through a third series ofswitching means also as demand steppingswitch. Since this singlestepping switch is switched in for various opera-;

The stepping switch is preferably so arranged that it is operable byactuating the demand key as often as it is still in a position toperform steps until the starting position is reached. That means, thatthe stepping switch is operated continuously in the same direction forthe storage process and the demand process. This can be attained in areliable manner by a relatively simple construction of stepping switch.

In order to prevent the capacity of the single stepping switch frombeing exceeded by the insertion of coins, the stepping switch accordingto the invention is provided with a contact path, which is so arrangedthat the oper ation of a coin contact has no elfect if a higher valuecoin insertion is efifected through another coin contact and the numberof demand units predetermined for the firstcoin contact has not yet beenused up.

In all the constructional forms of the invention, a device may beprovided which brings the storing process Patented May 1, 1962 Aseparation between the:

into effect only after operating the same coin contact two or moretimes. This makes possible the insertion also of coins which are smallerin value than that corresponding to one demand unit. This device foroperating the storing process can according to the invention include acondenser which is charged by means of a relay on the first operation ofthe coin contact. Furthermore, a further relay may be provided in thisconstructional form of the invention, through which the condenserdischarges itself on opening of the coin contact and which on responseprepares circuits which set the real storing rocess into operation atthe next closing of the coin contact.

The device, which initiates the storing process only after operating thesame coin contact two or more times, can also consist of simple wirebridges which can be connected to the appropriate contact elements ofthe stepping switch. This kind of arrangement for storing after multipleoperation of a coin contact is particularly suitable for those creditingdevices according to the invention, which have only a single steppingswitch.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous, in all constructions according tothe invention, for connecting the crediting device to several coinreceivers, to provide these coin receivers with means whereby they lockeach other out.

Finally, it may be convenient in all constructions according to theinvention, to arrange the crediting device so that it can be connectedthrough a conducting lead to a remote control device.

Connections for two constructions of the device according to theinvention are diagrammatically illustrated in the drawings.

FIGURE 1 for a modification of the device according to the deviceaccording to the invention.

FIGURE 2 shows supplementary circuit parts for FIGURE 1 for amodification of the device according to the invention according toFIGURE 1, wherein one coin contact is arranged to bring the storagedevice into operation after each second response.

- FIGURE 3 shows the circuits of another construction of the deviceaccording to the invention.

FIGURE 4 shows a modification of the device in the constructional formaccording to FIGURE 3.

On insertion of coins of different values the preset number of demandunits for each kind is stored for each inserted coin. By actuating thedemand contact one demand unit is at once taken out of store and aswitching instruction is given, for example in gramophones the startingimpulse for the playing of a sound record. In the constructionsaccording to FIGURES 1 and 2 storing can be effected by insertion ofcoins and taking out of store by actuating the demand contact in anydesired sequence up to the limit of the capacity of the storage devicefor storing demand units. When all demand units having been taken fromstore, the actuation of the demand contact causes no further switchingoperations.

For the following description of the operation of the arrangementaccording to the invention, it should first be mentioned, that all partsof a relay or of a stepping switch are indicated by the same referenceletter, the windings with capital letters and the contacts with smallletters.

011 starting up the crediting device according to FIG- URE 1, therecognition condensers C C and C are charged through high ohmicresistances R R and R from a continuous current voltage source. Theinsertion of a coin under control of the usual devices and safetymeasures in automatic coin machines of this kind closes momentarily oneof the coin contacts, for instance the coin contact MKSO. The condenserC then discharges itself through the energising coil E of the relay E.For this, the following circuit is used. Circuit 1: C MKStl, E I

The relay E operates and thereby puts the power magnet coils of thestepping switches D and D under voltage through circuit 2: Earth, e Rdis, D and circuit 2a: Earth, e R d [2 D These stepping switches moveforward one step. The relay E now remains energised through its holdingcoil E. For this, circuit 3: Earth, 6 d E is operative. It should benoted that the stepping switch D has at least two rotary arms whichreach the rest position after a step-by-step rotary movement. It shouldbe also noted that the switch d moves over an annular contact path whichis interrupted only at the position of rest. Therefore, circuit 3 is inaction so long as d does not reach its rest position. During this perioda is closed and the switch d opens and closes the circuits of d thecircuits 2 and 2a. This opening and closing results in that the switcharms d and d are caused to rotate.

The time-constant of the condenser C with the energising winding E isgreater than the switching time of the first step. The automaticinterrupter contact d of the stepping switch D breaks circuits 2 and 2a.The power magnet coils D and D are thus deenergised. Consequently, thecontact d recloses, so that the power magnet coils obtain voltage againand cause a further step forward. This process repeats itself so often(for example three times in all), until the switch arm ai of thestepping switch D reaches the contact element connected to thedischarged recognition condenser C It should be noted that the timerelation of the combination C and E is much smaller than the time whenthe coins will. be retained on the MKSd contact means. Thereby circuit4: Earth, B d C is completed. The condenser thus charges itself throughthe energising winding B of the relay B. The relay responds and at itscontact 1') prevents further movement of the stepping switch D and makesits own holding circuit at its contact b. For this is used circuit 5':Earth, e zl b B For the recognition stepping switch D the circuit,controlled by the automatic interrupter contact d remains closed untilthe switch arms d and d of the stepping switch D reach their position ofrest, as indicated at d for the switch arm d in FIGURE 1. Circuit 3 forthe relay E and circuit 5 for the relay B are broken by the switch arm dThe elements of circuits 2 and 211, besides the interrupting contact dare retained in their closed position so long as the switch arms of thestepper D have not reached their position of rest. Both relays releasethese contacts and contact e thus interrupts circuits 2 and 2a for thepower magnet coils D and D The crediting device is then ready forrecognition and storage of further coin insertions.

If the switch arms of the stepping switches D and D were standing at thesame step at the beginning of the process, the switch arm of the storagestepping switch D would in this case be set forward by three stepsrelatively to that of the demand stepping switch D Gn actuating of thedemand contact wk, circuit 6: Earth, R wk, k C, is closed. The relay Coperates. The switching instruction is given through its contacts a andc while contacts c put the power magnet coil D under voltage and causeone step forward. This is effected through circuit '7 Earth, 0 D

The relay K responds through contact d of the stepping switch D Circuit8: Earth, R wk, (1 K,

Relay K breaks circuit 6, so that relay C is deenergised and breakscircuit 7. Relay K however holds itself energised as long as the demandcontact wk remains closed, through circuit 9: Earth, R wk, k K,

The operating cycle of circuits 6 to 9 repeats itself with each furtheroperation of the demand contact wk. The cycles of circuits 6 and 9repeat until the demand stepping switch dg has reached the position ofthe storage stepping switch d after which only the cycles of circuits 6and 7 repeat on operation of the demand contact. By the last step of thestepping switch D the switch arms a' and d of the stepping switches Dand D the contact elements of corresponding steps of which areconductively connected to each other, shortcircuit the energisingwinding of the relay C. For this, circuit Earth, R wk, k C, and circuit10a: Earth, R wk, k switch arms d za, are operative. Relay C isdeenergised and breaks circuit 7, before relay K responds.

When another kind of coin is inserted, the energising Winding E of therelay E is energised in a manner analogous to circuit 1 but by adifferent recognition condenser C or C so that the subsequent circuits 2and 3 repeat themselves. But, circuit 4 starts at a different moment, asthis recognition condenser rests on a different step, so that thestepping switch D as storage means performs a different number of steps.

Circuits 1 to S can be repeated as many times, i.e. as many coins can becredited for demand units as the steps of the storage stepping switch Dcan exceed those of the demand stepping switch D If the storage processis to be initiated only after insertion of two coins, this may easily bedone by an addition (FIGURE 2). Contact MKZII, for example, is removedfrom FIGURE 1 and points Z and Z are connected instead to the similarlymarked points in FIG- URE 2. The insertion of a coin then closes thecoin contact MK10/20 (FIGURE 2) over circuit 11: Earth, I MKlO/Ztl, I M,so that relay M responds and closes circuit 12: Earth, R m C Condenser Ccharges itself over this circuit.

After the opening of contact MKld/ZO relay M is deenergised. Thecondenser C discharges itself through relay L through circuit 13: C m ZL,

Relay L operates and makes its own holding circuit 14: Earth, e R l L,

Hereby the condenser C is fully discharged through circuit 15: C m 1 RThe contacts and connect the contact MKlii/Zti to the points Z and Z.When the second coin is inserted contact MKitl/ZO through the contacts Iand I releases circuit 1 and the subsequent circuits, while the responseof relay E breaks circuit 14 by opening the contact e The creditingdevice according to the invention may also be connected at a trunkoperating board to several operating points. For this, it is onlynecessary in circuit 6 to connect earth through the trunk operatingdevice.

The arrangement of FIGURES 3 and 4 is essentially the same as that ofFIGURES 1 and 2, whereby the differences will be pointed outhereinbelow.

In the arrangement of FIGURES 3 and 4, as in the case of the arrangementaccording to FIGURES 1 and 2, the coin inserted in a coin receiver,which may if desired be mounted separately from the crediting device, isautomatically converted into demand units in the preset valuecorresponding to the coin in question. The crediting device is thusenergised from the coin receiver merely by contact-making. The advantageof the arrangement according to FIGURES 1 and 2 that the contact-makingneed not be effected by a micro-switch, still applies, as well as theadvantage, that demand units can be taken out of the stored demand unitsin free choice and sequence of the output possibly out of a number ofautomatic machines as long as such are stored in the crediting device.The number of possible coin contacts is not restricted in contrast Withthe arrangement according to FIGURES l and 2.

As in the arrangement according to FIGURES 1 and 2 there is provided foreach kind of coin at least one recognition condenser C C C which isdischarged through a coin contact MKN/Zt) or M1450 or MKltltI and whichenergises switching means by its discharge current impulse, which bringsinto action the stepping switch D for the storage process. A switch armd thereby runs over the contact elements I, II, III, IV connected to therecognition condensers C C C and brings to rest the stepping switch D onreaching the contact element of the previously discharged recognitioncondenser.

The stepping switch D is then operable as a demand stepping switch asoften as it can still carry out stepped movements as far as the startingposition. The setting of the number of demand units per kind of coin isdone by transferring the appropriate recognition condenser C C C toanother contact element I, II, III, IV. Conveniently, the highest coininsertion available is estimated with precedence because the possibilityof storing a number of coin insertions without complete intermediatedemand is relinquished. In the example of FIGURE 3 this is carried intoeffect on operation of the coin contact MKititl by storing always thehighest number of demand units corresponding to the pre-setting for thecoin contact MKitIi). The operation of the coin contact MKSO energisesthe crediting device only when the demand units then stored are smallerin number than the pre-setting for the coin contact MKStl, while theoperation of the coin contact MKltl/Zt) becomes effective only when nodemand unit is stored.

An important advantage of the arrangement according to FIGURES 3 and 4consists in that Without additional expenditure in switch elements ademand unit is stored by a simple wire bridge only after operating thecoin contact twice. Thus, coins can also be inserted, which are ofsmaller value than corresponds to one demand unit. While in thearrangement according to FIGURES l and 2 the relay C is provided forgiving the switching instruction, an indicating magnet A or A is used inthe arrangement according to FIGURES 3 and 4. This indicating magnet Aor A can only then be energised for giving a switching instruction byoperating the demand key T, for instance for setting an automatic musicbox into operation, when at least one demand unit is stored, which istaken out of store at that time. During the storage process theindicating magnet cannot be energised. If the storage process isinterrupted by switching off the operation voltage, there is no demandunit stored after switching on again, but the appropriate number ofdemand units is stored only after the insertion of a coin. The operationof the demand key during the storage process remains Without effect.

FIGURE 4 shows a modification of the device according to FIGURE 3. Inthis case, in addition to the indicating magnet, a contact dial with forexample two groups of contact elements s and p respectively is used andis coupled with the selecting device, for example the record selector ofa music box. When selecting the output, the contact dial is moved to acontact element of group s, it the value of the selected outputcorresponds to that of one demand unit, or is moved to a contact elementof group 2 if the value of the chosen output exceeds that of one demandunit. In this case the instruction magnet A, can in spite of at leastone stored demand unit only be excited, when the contact dial of therecord selector is positioned on a contact element of group s. Theseries connection of the power magnet coil D of the stepping switch withthe instruction magnet A acts with at least one stored demand unit tocause the stepping switch D on operation of the instruction magnet A tomove one step at the same time and thus to take a demand unit out ofstore.

When, however, the contact dial rests on a contact element p, a lamp,with at least one stored demand unit, lights up indicating additionalpayment, without being able to energise the instruction magnet onoperation of the demand key T. If now the coin contact MK10/20 isoperated again, the relay LP responds, thereby energising theinstruction magnet A On setting the crediting device according to FIGURE3 into operation, the recognition condensers C C and C are chargedthrough high ohmic resistances R R and R from the continuous currentvoltage sounce. The insertion of a coin under control of the usualarrangements and security measurements for such automatic coin machinesoperates, say, the coin contact MK100. The condenser spanner C thendischarges itself through the energizing winding E; of the relay E. Forthis, is used the circuit 101: C MK100, E

Relay E is energised and makes its own holding circuit 102: Earth, B a EThe stepping switch D moves one step forward through circuit 103: Earth,b e d R D,

The automatic interrupter d breaks circuit 3. The stepping switch D isdeenergized. Consequently the contact a' recloses, so that the steppingswitch D receives voltage and moves forward one step further. Theprocess repeats itself so often, until the switch arm d, reaches thecontact element d,, connected to the discharged recognition condenser CThis completes circuit 104: Earth, B switch ann d,,, contact element d CThe condenser charges itself at the same time through the energisingwinding B of the relay B. The relay B responds and interrupts thecircuits 2 and 3 at its contact b and holds itself energised throughcircuit 105: Earth, switch arm db, R b 2 B The stepping switch does notmove forward any further. In circuit 106: Earth, switch arm db, lampdialling, the dialling instruction appears.

Operation of the demand key T with its contacts t and t closes circuit107: Earth, switch arm db, t e R D, and circuit 108: Earth, ds b e tinstruction magnet A, and circuit 108a: Earth, ds b e B The steppingswitch moves one step forward and the instruction magnet is energised aslong as the contacts 1 and L of key T are operated.

The operating cycle of circuits 107 and 108 repeats itself at eachfurther operation of the demand key, for example four times, until thestepping switch is one step short of the starting position. If now thedemand key is operated, the cycle of circuits 107 and 108 repeats itselfat once. When the stepping switch, however, has moved its last step, inthe assumed example the sixth step, the switch arm db interruptscircuits 105, 106 and 107. Nevertheless, the stepping switch remainsenergised through circuit 108b: Earth, ds R t e R D, as long as the keyis operated. Therewith also the instruction magnet and parallel theretothe relay B remain energised. On releasing the key circuits 108 and 108aare broken.

The bridges for the contact elements of the switch arm d should be soarranged, that the operation of the coin contact MKSO energises therelay E only, when the stepping switch has still only a smaller numberof steps to move before reaching its starting position than correspondsto the pre-set number of steps for the coin contact MK50.

The relay E is, however, energised on operation of the coin contact MKSOover a circuit analogous to circuit 101, but through the recognitioncondenser C so that the subsequent circuits repeat themselves. Circuit104 operates after a different number of steps, so that for example theinstruction magnet is operable three times in all.

The operation of the coin contact MK/20 energises relay E only, whencircuit 105 is not energised. At the first operation of the coin contactMK10/20 the recognition condenser C discharges itself in circuit 101a: CMK10/20, b E

The stepping switch moves one step forward owing to circuits 102 and103. The recognition condenser C is charged again by the switch arm daover circuit 104a: Earth, B switch arm da, contact element 1, C

Relay B responds and breaks circuits 102 and 103. After charging thecondenser the relay B is de-energised again, because the switch arm dbhas not yet completed the connection in the circuit 105 between earthand resistance R On renewed operation of the coin contact MK10/ 20 thecondenser C discharges itself again through circuit 101a. The steppingswitch moves forward to the last but one step owing to the circuits 102and 103 with automatic interruption with which step the switch arm dahas reached the contact element IV for the condenser C 8 and thecondenser is recharged over circuit 10%: Earth, B switch arm a, contactelement IV, C

Relay B responds and interrupts circuits 102 and 103 and also makes itsown holding circuit 105. By this means the crediting device has storedone demand unit on a double insertion of a coin and on operation of thedemand key the instruction magnet can now be energised once. If the wirebridge for contact element da is disconnected, relay B does not respondat the first step corresponding to circuit 104a, but the stepping switchmoves to the last but one step at the first coin insertion whichoperates the coin contact MK10/20, thereby storing one demand unit.

A resistance R, is provided to discharge the condenser C; slowly oninadvertent operation of the relay E.

FIGURE 4 illustrates a modification of the arrangement of the inventionaccording to FIGURE 3. The operating voltage is switched on, and therecognition condensers C C and C are charged through high ohmicresistances R R and R The operation of the coin contact MK dischargesthe condenser C through the relay E over circuit 111: C MK100, E

The relay E operates and makes its own holding circuit 112: Earth, R b eE The stepping switch moves one step forward owing to circuit 113:Earth, R b", a du, D, b R

The automatic interrupter du periodically interrupts the circuit 113,until the switch arm da reaches contact element II. The condenser Ccharges itself over circuit 114: Earth, B switch arm da, contact element11, C

Relay B responds and interrupts the circuits 112 and 113, and also makesits own holding circuit 115: Earth, B b 2 D, b switch arm db,

The stepping switch does not move any further. The combination ofresistance in circuit 115 is too large to operate the stepping switch.

If the contact dial of the record selector is resting on a contactelement s, the instruction dial appears owing to circuit 116a: Earth,contact s, contact dial A lamp dial, b e D, b switch arm d Thecombination of resistance in this circuit is too large, to operate theinstruction magnet A or the stepping switch D By operating the demandkey 1 the lamp dial is short-circuited, and the instruction magnet A isenergised by the stepping switch through circuit 116b: Earth, contactelement s, contact dial, A 1, b a, D, N", switch arm d The steppingswitch moves one step forward. Each further operation of the demand key1, for example through a different position of the contact elements ofthe contact dial S, energises the instruction magnet with furthermovement of the stepping switch through one step. When the steppingswitch has thus moved its last step into its starting position theswitch arm db interrupts circuits 116a and 116b. Nevertheless, theinstruction magnet remains energised by the stepping switch throughcircuit 1160: Earth, contact element s, contact dial, A I, b e D, b, sswitch arm db in position zero, until the key is released. Now byopening ds the instruction magnet and the stepping switch becomede-energised.

The operation of the coin contact MK50 energises the relay E only, ifthe stepping switch has still only a smaller number of steps to move toreach its starting position than corresponds to the preset number ofsteps for the coin contact MK50. 'Ihe bridges for the contact elementsshould be arranged accordingly. The relay E is energised on operation ofthe coin contact MK50 through a circuit analogous to circuit 111, butthrough the recognition condenser C so that the subsequent circuitsrepeat themselves. Circuit 114 operates after a difierent number ofsteps, so that the instruction magnet can be operated by the steppingswitch for example three times in all, until the switch arm db breakscircuit 1116b.

The operation of the coin contact MK10/20 energises 9 relay E only whencircuit 115 is not energised. At the first operation of the coin contactMKlti/Zil the recognition condenser C discharges itself through circuit111a: C MKlll/ZO, b E

The stepping switch moves one step forward owing to circuit 113. Therecognition condenser C is now charged again by the switch arm dathrough circuit 114a: Earth, B switch arm do, contact element 1, C

Relay B responds and interrupts circuits 112 and 113. After charging thecondenser the relay B is tie-energised. On renewed operation of the coincontact MKi/2t) the condenser C discharges again through circuit 111a.The stepping switch moves forward to contact element da in the last butone step owing to circuits 112 and 113 with automatic interruption, atwhich step the switch arm da has reached the contact element for thecondenser C and recharges the condenser through circuit 1141): Earth, Bswitch arm da, contact element da C Relay B responds and interrupts thecircuits 112 and 113, and also makes its own holding circuit 115. Bythis means the crediting device has stored one demand unit after twocoin insertions and by operating the demand key the instruction magnet Acan now be energised once. When the wire bridge is disconnected atcontact element da relay B does not respond at the first step accordingto circuit 114a, but the stepping switch moves forward at the firstinsertion of coin at the coin contact MKltl/Zt) to the last but onestep, thereby stoling one demand unit.

If with the record selector the contact dial is resting on a contactelement p, the lamp additional-payment appears, on energisation ofcircuit 115, owing to circuit 116d: Earth, lamp additional-payment, 1pcontact element p, contact dial, A lamp dial, [2 e D, b switch arm db,

On operation of the demand key the instruction magnet is not nowenergised in spite of at least one stored demand unit. This is desired,for example, for automatic music boxes for one group of records, whichare called longplaying records. Only the repeated insertion of a coincauses through contact MKltl/Zti the energisation of the instructionmagnet A MKlO/Ztl is operated on energisation of circuit 115, and Cdischarges itself through circuit 117: C MKltl/Zi), b switch arm dd, LP

The relay LP operates and makes its own holding circuit 118: Earth, 112R LP On operation of the demand key the contact (is closes with theresponse of the stepping switch D. Voltage is supplied to therestraining winding of the LP-relay through circuit 119: Earth, LP 11ids switch arm db, and by this means the LP-relay is de-energised. Theinstruction magnet remains under voltage, until the key is released,through circuit 1162: Earth, ds contact element p, etc.

The crediting device according to the invention can be controlledthrough a number of interlocked coin receivers (for instance recordtrunk selector). After taking out the last stored demand unit theinterlock is released again.

For better understanding of the drawings there is noted at first:

(1) R or R respectively, is a resistance in order to restrict theelectric current through the magnet coils "of the steppers D and D or D,respectively, and to restrict the charging current of the condenser CThe magnet coils of the steppers D, D and D have a relatively lowresistance, ii. 60 ohm, while the magnet coil E or the relay E has arelatively high resistance, f.i. 2000 ohms.

(2) Condenser C of FIGURES 1, 3 and 4 lies parallel to the magnet coilsof the steppers D and D or D, respectively. This condenser chargeselectrical power enough to ensure proper actuation, it is an energizingof the magnet coils of the steppers powerful enough, even if the innerinterrupting switch ds opens the respective circuit somewhat early.Therefore, condenser 0., overcomes the necessity of diiiicult adjustingof the switch 10 ds with respect to the magnet armature of the stepper Dor D respectively.

(3) The interrupting switch ds or dsu, respectively, is actuated by thearmature of the stepper D or D, respectively, in such manner that thisinterrupting switch is opened when the magnet coil is energized and thisswitch is closed in deenergized condition of the magnet coil and in restposition of the armature.

(4) With respect to FIGURE 1 there is noted that the switch 135 isconnected with the demand stepper D Said contact 11 s is closed when themagnet coil of the demand stepper D is energized. Thereby relay K isenergized in order to open its contact k and to deenergize relay C, evenif the demand switch wk is closed for a longer time (see circuits 6 and7). By deenergiz-ing relay C also the demand stepper D is deenergized.By this action the contact d s of the demand stepper D is opened again.in the meantime, relay K has closed its contact k and has maintained bythis contact its energization until the demand switch wk has beenopened. When the demand switch wk is opened, relay K is deenergized andall its contacts return to their rest position as shown in FIG- URE 1.

(5) Contact ds is combined with the stepper D (or D respectively inFIGURE 4) and is actuated by the armature of said stepper. In energizedcondition of the magnet coil D switch ds is closed. By this measurethere is obtained a time space between the action of circuit 107' andthe action of circuit 108. Further on, circuit 103 is only able to bebuilt up, if stepper D has done a further step, that means the creditionunit was available at the stepper D.

In this connection it may be noted that the switches t and 1 arecombined to a unit and they are all actuated in the same time.

(6) Contact s of FIGURE 4 is combined with stepper D and is closed inenergized condition of the magnet coil D As soon as relay LP has beenenergized through circuit 117, contact 1p is thrown from its rightposition,

in FIGURE 4 to its left position. Thereby is obtained circuit 116 Earth,contact 1p contact element p, (see circuit 116d) switch arm db,

When contact t of the demand key T is actuated, lamp dial is shunted bythis contact 1. Thereby the electrical current in the circuit 116 isincreased to such an amount that the stepper D and the magnet A areactuated. In actuating stepper D contact ds of said stepper is closed.Relay LP is deenergized in accordance with circuit 11%, but theinstruction magnet A remains energized through circuit 116s.

(7) With respect to the small circles as shown in the electrical circuitlines of FIGURES 3 and 4, there is noted that these circles show thatcertain parts of the crediting apparatus are separated from the otherparts in order to be contained in a separate casing. F.i., the coincontacts MKlO/ZO, MKSO, and MKIOO are inserted into a coin receiving boxand are connected to the crediting apparatus by means of electricalcables. Therefore, the small circles.

show connecting points in the electrical lines between separated partsto the main parts of the crediting apparatus according to the invention.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. Crediting apparatus responsive to the value of coins of differentkinds inserted into an automatic coin-rmponsive machine, comprising acoin contact for each kind of coin which is closed in response to theinsertion of the appropriate coin, at least one recognition condenserfor each kind of coin, means for charging such condensers, means wherebya recognition condenser is discharged through the associated coincontact when such contact is closed, switching means energised by thedischarge current impulse from a recognition condenser, a storagestepping switch for storing demand units in accordance with the valuesof inserted coins, means whereby the said switching means when operatedacts to set such stepping switch into operation, a switch arm movingsynchronously with such stepping switch, means whereby the said switcharm acts after a predetermined number of switching steps to recharge therecognition condenser discharged by the closing of the associated coincontact, further switching means energised by such recharging currentimpulse, and means whereby such further switching means acts whenoperated to bring the storage stepping switch to rest.

2. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, including a demand contactoperable at will, a demand stepping switch, and means whereby so long asthe position of the storage stepping switch is in advance of that of thede mand stepping switch each operation of the demand contact causes thedemand stepping switch to move forward one step.

3. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, including in associationwith at least one of the coin contacts means whereby movement of thestorage stepping switch into the storing position appropriate to suchcoin contact is delayed until the said coin contact has been operated atleast twice.

4. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the delayingmeans includes an auxiliary condenser, means whereby such condenser ischarged in response to the first operation of the said coin contact andis discharged again on release of such coin contact, and means wherebyafter at least one such charge and discharge operation a circuit isprepared through which a further operation of the said coin contact willcause the associated recognition condenser to be discharged.

5. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the delayingmeans comprises a circuit which is completed when the storage steppingswitch moves into a position earlier than the storing positionappropriate to the said coin contact, and which acts to bring thestorage stepping switch to rest, whereby completion of the movement intothe said storing position can only be effected after further operationof the said coin contact.

6. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, including a demand contactoperable at will, an instruction magnet responsive to operation of thedemand contact for controlling operation of a desired output function ofthe automatic machine, and means for locking the instruction magnetagainst operation until the storage stepping switch has completed itsmovement to the predetermined storage position.

7. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 6, including a contact dialprovided with groups of contact elements, one of which groups isassociated with output functions of the value of one demand unit whilstat least one other group is associated with output functions of greatervalue, the individual contact elements being associated respectivelywith individual output functions of the appropriate values, and meansfor preventing the instruction magnet from being energised for taking ademand unit out of store except when the contact dial is cooperatingwith a contact element associated with an output function of the valueof one demand unit.

8. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 7, including an auxiliaryswitch arm on the stepping switch, contact elements cooperatingtherewith, a relay whose energising circuit is prepared through suchswitch arm whenever there is at least one demand unit in store, meanswhereby such energising circuit can be completed only by the insertionof an additional coin, and means whereby when the contact dial iscooperating with a contact element associated with an output function ofvalue greater than one demand unit, the operation of such relay causesoperation of the instruction magnet.

9. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 8, including means wherebythe said relay on operation makes its own holding circuit, and meanswhereby the relay is deenergised after operation of the instructionmagnet to take a demand unit from store.

eater 10. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 9, including anindicator indicating the need for additional coin insertion, meanswhereby such indicator is operated when the contact dial is cooperatingwith a contact element associated with an output function of valuegreater than one demand unit, and means whereby such indicator isdeenergised when the said relay operates.

11. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 6, including a contact onthe stepping switch for energising the instruction magnet so long as thedemand contact is held operated.

12. Crediting apparatus responsive to the value of coins of differentkinds inserted into an automatic coinresponsive machine, comprising acoin contact for each kind of coin which is closed in response to theinsertion of the appropriate coin, at least one recognition condenserfor each kind of coin, means for charging such condensers, means wherebya recognition condenser is discharged through the associated coincontact when such contact is closed, switching means energised by thedischarge current impulse from a recognition condenser, a recognitionstepping switch having a number of contact elements and a switch armcooperating therewith some of such contact element being associatedrespectively with the recognition condensers, a storage stepping switchfor storing demand units in accordance with the values of insertedcoins, means whereby the said switching means acts on operation to setsuch two stepping switches into synchronous operation, means wherebywhen the switch arm of the recognition stepping switch reaches thecontact element associated with the recognition condenser discharged bythe closing of the associated coin contact such switch arm acts torecharge such recognition condenser, further switching means energisedby such recharging current impulse, and means whereby such furtherswitching means acts when operated to bring the storage stepping switchto rest, the position in which the storage stepping switch comes to restdefining the number of demand units stored thereby.

13. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 12, including means wherebythe recognition stepping switch, which remains in operation after thestorage stepping switch comes to rest, is brought to rest at the end ofits cycle when it again reaches its normal starting position, inreadiness for dealing with further coin insertions.

14. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 12, in which the number ofsteps of the recognition stepping switch is not less than the number ofcoin contacts.

15. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 14, including a demandcontact operable at will, a demand stepping switch, and means whereby solong as the position of the storage stepping switch is in advance ofthat of the demand stepping switch each operation of the demand contactcauses the demand stepping switch to move forward one step.

16. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 12, including a demandcontact operable at will, a demand stepping switch, demand switchingmeans energised by operation of the demand contact for setting thedemand stepping switch into operation, means for preventing energisationof the demand switching means except when the position of the storagestepping switch is in advance of that of the demand stepping switch,means whereby each stepped movement of the demand stepping switch causesthe demand switching means to be deenergised, and means whereby thedemand stepping switch can be reenergised only after release andreoperation of the demand contact.

17. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 12, including in associationwith at least one of the coin contacts means whereby discharge of theassociated recognition condenser for initiating operation of the storagestepping switch is delayed until the said coin contact has been operatedat least twice. I

lit

18. Crediting apparatus responsive to the value of coins of diiterentkinds inserted into an automatic coinresponsive machine, comprising acoin contact for each kind of coin which is closed in response to theinsertion of the appropriate coin, at least one recognition condenserfor each kind of coin, means for charging such condensers, means wherebya recognition condenser is discharged through the associated coincontact when such Contact is closed, switching means energised by thedischarge current impulse from a recognition condenser, a steppingswitch having a recognition switch arm and cooperating contact elements,means whereby the said switching means when operated acts to set suchstepping switch into operation, means whereby the said recognitionswitch arm acts after a predetermined number of steps to recharge therecognition condenser discharged by the associated coin contact, furtherswitching means energised by such recharging current impulse, meanswhereby such further switching means acts when operated to bring thestepping switch to rest thereby storing demand units corresponding tothe value of the inserted coin, a demand contact operable at will, andcontrol means whereby the stepping switch cooperates with the demandcontact for taking demand units out of store to eifect desired outputfunctions.

19. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 18, in which the controlmeans for taking demand units out of store includes means whereby eachoperation of the demand contact causes one stepped movement or thestepping switch and therefore the taking of one demand unit out of storeuntil the stepping switch comes to rest in its normal zero position.

20. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 18, including meanscontrolled by the stepping switch for rendering ineffective theoperation of a coin contact for an intermediate value of coin when acoin of higher value has been inserted and the demand units storedthereby have not been taken off to leave less demand units in store thanthe number corresponding to the said intermediate value of coin.

21. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 18, including means wherebyoperation of the coin contact for the lowest value of coin is renderedineffective except when the stepping switch is in its normal zeroposition, that is except when there are no demand units in store.

22. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 18, including an indicatorfor indicating that the demand contact may be operated, and meanswhereby such indicator remains operated whenever there is a demand unitin store.

23. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 18, including an instructionmagnet for effecting a selected output function of the automaticmachine, and means for preventing operation of such instruction magnetunless a coin contact has previously been operated to cause storage ofat least one demand unit.

24. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 18, including an instructionmagnet for effecting a selected output function of the automaticmachine, and means whereby such instruction magnet is energised byoperation of the demand contact through the stepping switch in anyposition thereof other than the normal zero position.

25. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 18, including means wherebyin the event of a fault the recognition condenser for the lowest valueof coin is slowly discharged whereby the stepping switch is caused tocomplete its cycle and to come to rest in its normal zero position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,853,173 Morrison Sept. 23, 1958

